Five million pieces of PPE arrives in Northern Ireland for frontline staff - and more on the way

A shipment of five million pieces of personal protection equipment (PPE) is believed to have been delivered to Northern Ireland, according to the NI secretary.
By Gemma Murray
Published 6th Apr 2020, 10:19 BST
Updated 6th Apr 2020, 11:16 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Brandon Lewis told the BBC that the PPE consignment should have arrived at approximately 7am.

He said it would be delivered to the health services “in the course of the day”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It would help ensure sure staff had the “protection they need”, he added.

There are currently 165 ventilators in NI with a further 190 on order and an additional 650 breathing support machines ordered.

Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Mr Lewis said he did not have “dates or a timeline” for the arrival of the ventilators, but add that “they will come through as they are needed”.

He added: “I am sure they will be there in good time.”

Many healthcare staff remain concerned over the availability of correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nurses are calling for adequate PPE to protect themselves from the virus. Photo by Pacemaker PressNurses are calling for adequate PPE to protect themselves from the virus. Photo by Pacemaker Press
Nurses are calling for adequate PPE to protect themselves from the virus. Photo by Pacemaker Press

--

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Brandon LewisPPENorthern IrelandBBC